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Billys Midway Arcade
312 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, United States
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Sa
Review №1

This place was awesome. Went on friday evening, there were around 10 people there and the place felt like our own private arcade. We had a blast. Cant wait to go back and try more games. We were there an hour and a half and only played about 8 different video games. And they have a really sweet pinball collection, digital and many electro mechanical machines, the one that go ding ding. We chatted with the owner who was a cool dude and really cares for these games. Well done. Will be back for sure.

Da
Review №2

This is an amazing place. With hundreds of arcade games and dozens of pinball machines, it is both arcade and a museum. In fact with an original working version of Computer Space and working pinball machines from the 1940s (all of which you can play), Billys Midway easily has a larger collection than actual museums like The Museum of The Moving Image.The arcade is a fantastic deal--upon entering customers get a wristband. And you pay per hour (or half hour--whichever is cheaper) when you leave. While in the arcade every single game is free--with unlimited lives and continues.Billys Midway is incredible--there isnt one game I can think of thats missing (well Time Traveler--but thats nitpicking--games like that were spectacle, not skilled arcade classics).I took my kids and, having never seen an arcade before, their minds melted.

Aa
Review №3

It was so much fun, we felt like we time traveled to the 80s. I went with a group of friends (teenagers) and it was such a good time, it wasn’t expensive, $10 an hour and it was so worth it. The employees were so friendly, helpful, and kind. The area is really nice too, 100% recommend for a date, family time, or even by yourself!!

Ge
Review №4

This place is a gem! The service is great and all the machines are in wonderful condition. The fact that its a bit obscure up on the second floor just adds to the overall charm. If you even remotely enjoy nostalgia this place is a trip right back to the late 80s/ mid 90s. If you are in the area dont pass up a chance to stop by for an hour or two!

Ch
Review №5

This is by far the best local arcade, especially if youre into retro or vintage arcade games. You pay per half hour (or hour) instead of per game, making it way more cost-effective than most other arcades. Their game selection is huge, and games are constantly being repaired and added, so you can play new and different games each time you go back. Personally, the pinball section is my favorite part, but theres really a game here for everyone. Billy repairs the games himself, and you can even see him in action if the arcade isnt too busy. Hes also just a super cool dude and always happy to talk to people about the arcade and games in general. If youre doing particularly well on a game, be sure to double check the high score leaderboard in the arcade to see if your name can go up. Whether youre an adult who wants to pass some time or you want to take the kids somewhere new, I cant recommend Billys enough.

Ke
Review №6

Great place and you cant beat the price! Will definitely be back

Jo
Review №7

Its been a while since Ive been to Billys, but its one of the most fun experiences an adult can have! Total retro overload. And Billy constantly works to keep his machines humming in top condition. Every time Ive gone its been a half hour conversation about all things gaming. Make sure to give Billys Midway a whole-day visit when the corona restrictions ease off.

Ch
Review №8

First timer today. What a nostalgic rush to the head! So happy you guys are open and Ill definitely be back!

Mi
Review №9

Really enjoyed the arcade. Owners were very friendly and inviting. The prices are very reasonable at $10 per hour. Pretty good variety games spanning several decades. Im no expert on arcade games but I definitely played a few classics! Would totally recommend coming here.

Da
Review №10

This is a great space. The guys who run it appear to be nerds, which I mean completely as a compliment. They have a great heap of retro arcade games and pinball machines; theyre listed on the website. They have Centipede right in the front, with the track ball! One of my earliest gaming memories is watching my dad play the same cabinet. So the nostalgia hit hard.If you can play for hours and hours, an all day pass is reasonable at $25. I dropped by with my 3 year old son for about twenty minutes and that cost us $14 (two 30 minute sessions at $7 each, the minimum fee and a lousy deal). I was happy to pay it to support a throwback arcade. For someone like me, a 40-ish video game geek who lacks the eyeball stamina that I had in my youth, the best bet would be an hour for $10.Theyre planning to have birthday parties at some point, which would be pretty cool for kids, but they probably risk collateral damage, which is a little scary.I dont think theres any food available, but a bar with snacks and drinks is a logical evolution / next step. After chatting with the guy behind the counter, it seems like some people make this a stop on a date night before or after a meal or drinks. If you have a significant other who wants to go here, take them. Theyre open late on Friday and Saturday nights.

jo
Review №11

Amazing place. I cannot wait to go back with more people. I could have spent an entire night there.

Br
Review №12

This place is great to go back in time to experience the early days of the video game arcade of the 80s. What a wonderful assortment of video games and pinball machines to play. Theres no screen swiping or tapping here, all require the skill of hand and eye coordination using levers and buttons. Instead of quarters, you pay by the hour. The staff is wonderful and Billy can give you history and facts on the games. Theres even a small party room available for a group of friends to meet, chill and play games. Try it out and relive the 80s games. Highly recommend this establishment.

Be
Review №13

I love this place. I both want it to be successful and also keep it as a secret place.

Ch
Review №14

The room is full with a lot of old school arcade games, but too much space is taken up by never-were games. It definitely needs more classics. And by classic, I mean more than just old.

Mi
Review №15

Great place. Owner was very nice, and knew so much about all the old games. Works hard to keep everything in running order which must be tough with these vintage machines. Reasonably priced and many games to play. A great find!

BC
Review №16

A nice concept/ throwback to yesteryear with a variety of pinball, classic arcade, air and bubble hockey games in a very clean facility with a friendly staff. My family was happy we checked it out during our travels and are always happy to support local businesses.

Sc
Review №17

Best Nye weve had in year! So much fun playing games and Billys was a great owner and host. Cant wait to go back.

Na
Review №18

Very clean and very nostalgic

Mi
Review №19

Great visit to great location. Fun to share with kids, talk about engineerng, advancements in game development and how they wouldnt have Fortnight without all of these great games. . . Plus many positive memories of growing up in 80s/90s.

Ch
Review №20

A perfect little arcade! Pay by the half hour. It’s a good time. There are some games I’ve never seen here but they have an awesome pinball selection, X-men vs street fighter, mortal kombat 2, tron, donkey Kong etc

Re
Review №21

A lot of fun, retro games. Perfect for a date night. The people there were nice and helpful, and it was very reasonable priced. I find a lot of arcades these days overwhelming with lots of flashing lights, but this arcade wasnt like that.

Ni
Review №22

Absolutely love this place!! Great memories in 1 place! Prices are great! Environment is so clean! Love all the arcade games! I love that most of the games I played with growing up are still existing and at Billys arcade! Ages me back 35 years...lol Billy, his wife and staff are so nice! If I didnt have a busy schedule I be there every week! Was just here tonight after not being there since early July! Cannot wait to go back!

Co
Review №23

Great place to have some fun!!!!

Ch
Review №24

I was visiting from out of state and decided to look around for any local arcades since there are none anywhere near my home town. I was absolutely impressed with this establishment. Very clean, fun atmosphere and a great selection of classic games and pinball machines. Every machine I played was in excellent working order and the owner was extremely friendly. If I’m ever in the area again I’ll definitely be going back. All day arcade for $25 is a great price if you ask me.

Da
Review №25

This place is so great! It brings back the nostalgia of real arcade games long before playstation, xbox etc. So many memories of growing up!

Ni
Review №26

Had a great time. My 6 year old had a blast too.

Ka
Review №27

Billy and Ali are fantastic! Billy knows everything youd ever want to know about arcade and pinball machines. You can tell he really loves doing this! This is an awesome place for parties and their weekly events are amazing! Cant wait to go back again and again!

To
Review №28

So much throwback fun. Met owner, nice guy and very enthusiastic about this place. Great machines to enjoy and they are rotating machines in and out so there is something new to enjoy.

Ri
Review №29

This place is fantastic. If youre looking for a vintage arcade curated with great care, look no further. Day pass prices are reasonable, its safe and clean, and if you get hungry you can pop downstairs to the Irish pub. My son and I had a blast!

Je
Review №30

This place is great! Pay by the hour for unlimited play or get an all day pass. Fighting, racing, shooting, pinball... Tons of classic games. Really enjoyed Tron, Mario, Mortal Kombat, and the Area 51 shooter. Nice people, too. Constantly fixing and rotating games in and out. Would recommend, definitely coming back!

Ky
Review №31

WOW this place rules. So happy an arcade finally opened up close to my house. If you want retro nostalgia at a cheap rate, this is the place to be. I didnt realize how big the place actually was until I stepped inside. So many cabinets!! Then i immediately headed straight for Asteroids and Frogger and got lost in the glow of the screens. Love the classic pinball games too. If youre a child of the 70s/80s/Early 90s, this place will make you feel like a kid again. The best part was seeing ACTUAL young kids in there playing arcade games and experiencing THAT instead of a tablet for a change! And Billy, the owner is a great guy. Best of luck!

Vu
Review №32

Yeah man it’s pretty lit innit?

Co
Review №33

A clear labor of love by the owner. Great selection of games which are all set on free mode. When you enter you are given a wrist band which is scanned at the end and you pay by the hour a very reasonable fee. Youll be hard pressed to find a better priced good time for your loved ones. For family entertainment or simply anyone who likes classic video games this place is perfect.

Ro
Review №34

Love this place, has all the games I love plus more. The service there is amazing workers are very nice and friendly. Love the price also its a good price for those on a budget.

Da
Review №35

Fantastic little arcade with a truly retro feel. A great selection of classic arcade games both cabinet-style and tables spanning several decades, as well as a great selection of pinball machines. Any fans of Ready Player One (book and movie both) will see several familiar titles here. Billy the owner is a great guy with a real passion for this, and his unabashed enthusiasm was a breath of fresh air. As an added bonus for those interested in a drink, the arcade is located directly above a bar. The arcades pricing is very fair especially considering how many original machines are here. All in all a great way to spend an hour or two! The attached image is a picture of the old Voltron action figures I saw in his display case - the same exact ones I played with as a kid! Had to post it!

Tr
Review №36

Plenty of my favorite classics are here. Love the place.

Ma
Review №37

Love this vintage arcade! A rarity here in North Jersey. Not as big as Yestercades, but thats a bonus. Condition of the machines can vary, but I can imagine how hard it is to maintain them (especially pinball).

ma
Review №38

Every time I go with my kids we have a great time! Staff is super friendly and accommodating. Very reasonably priced as well. I highly recommend going! They also do birthday parties. My son will be having one there come his birthday.

Ai
Review №39

The owners are extremy invested in keeping the best possible arcade. Very clean and a great atmosphere with reasonable pricing. Love coming here!

Sc
Review №40

I like their flat rate pricing. No messing around with quarters and getting change. You could play all the games as much as you want. Places is clean, the staff is friendly. Lots of vintage games. I was having flashbacks to high school lol. I was there with my daughter for an hour. It was a perfect amount of time

Mi
Review №41

Brings me back to when I was a kid. Bunch of super cool pinball machines and old games. Place very clean and friendly staff. Just missing the arcade feeling. Otherwise very nice. I will go back but probably leave my kids at home. Games way to old for them. But just right for me

Al
Review №42

This is so cool I love playing al the games

Ch
Review №43

Great old school games! Passionate nice owners. Respect their stuff! Theyve done an awesome job!

Ke
Review №44

Great old school arcade! Love playing the original arcade games and can not beat playing pinball.

Co
Review №45

Really fun place to game at. Invite some friends, and have a blast. Even 1 hour is honestly fantastic! Fair prices, and a great experience. Would go again. :)

Zi
Review №46

Great experience. Loved the retro feel of the place. Well worth the money to try out this arcade.

Th
Review №47

Very decent collection of vintage arcade and pin ball machines

Sh
Review №48

Look Daddy I Got 5 Stars

Mi
Review №49

Havent had this much fun in ages! Game selection unlike any Ive seen before. I had a great time. Will be back.

Ra
Review №50

If you have even an ounce of nostalgia for old arcades from the 80s then you HAVE to get to this place. Looking for a nice place to bring the kids for a night out that wont cost you 200$? GET TO THIS PLACE! I honestly cannot wait to go back they had all my old favorites from the 80s here plus a few from the early 90s as well. Even better yet they had some pinball machines from the 60s and 70s. The owner is just the nicest guy and if you talk to him you can tell in an instant that he puts a ton of love and effort into maintaining these machines. Cannot recommend any higher. Wish I could give it 10 stars.

Ro
Review №51

Wow! What a fun place! Lots of great games and several that are very unusual! Ill definitely be back. I thought Id leave after an hour, but after two hours I could have stayed even longer!I cant wait to go back!

Ca
Review №52

I am happy to have a place like this that is nearby. They have a lot of fun games and prices are reasonable. The owner is friendly and the place isnt insanely crowded like other places. My only recommendation would be to have candy; like swedish fish, Air heads, etc.available for purchase.

Ch
Review №53

This place was so much fun!!! It definitely brought back memories!!!

G
Review №54

Really cool place. Great selection of 80s and 90s Arcade games (even the table top models!) and a ton of pinball machines. I can easily spend a couple hours there. This place isnt really aimed at little kids, its much better for adults who grew up hanging out at arcades.

Fl
Review №55

Perfect place to go with friends, a date, or even by yourself. Everyone is very friendly and you always feel at home. The location is also convenient because of how close it is to various restaurants and a theater

Al
Review №56

If you love retro arcade games you will love this place. Took my gf here on our first date and it was fantastic. Great idea if anyone wants to do a date night with a bar next door.

mr
Review №57

They have all the great arcade games. Had a blast. Cant wait to go back

Jo
Review №58

This is one of the coolest arcades ever they go from pac man and donkey Kong as well as classic frogger and street fighter all the way to the new fix Felix Jr which is one of the coolest Machines. If you love to revisit your childhood then this the place to go! Also the staff are cool and friendly

tr
Review №59

Was taken to Billys Midway Arcade on Fathers Day by my daughter. She KNOWS how much I love pinball. It was like being back in the 60s & 70s!!! -Lucky Leos in Seaside Heights, Willowbrook Mall, Wayne Hills Mall, even Brother Brunos! All vintage machines & all WITHOUT tokens or quarters. Simply pay the fee for the time you spend there. We took the all day package which is $25.00 from opening (12:00 noon) to closing (10:00 pm). We got there at 2:00 pm, played until 6:30, went to eat & returned until closing! I would have easily spent much more in quarters if I had to pay per game.Not all of the machines were up & running. Some were in need of small repair or tune-up. A few were being overhauled to get them back into peak performance. Some of these machines are 40 & 50 years old (There was 1 from 1954 with a wooden frame). Just like an antique car- everything needs TLC on occasion!Thank you, Bella, for a SUPER Fathers Day. Thank you, Bill, for opening this wonderful reality trip into memory lane.In the words of Arnold- ILL BE BACK!!!!!!

Da
Review №60

Another great addition to the retro arcade scene! It took a ton of hard work to get the place up and running in time for Memorial Day weekend so the community could enjoy some old school gaming fun during the long weekend. There is an excellent variety of games including an air hockey table. Ive been informed that console games and a party area are soon to come. Many kudos to Bill for bringing back this nostalgic pastime where adults and kids can enjoy themselves and create memories!

Me
Review №61

Definitely go if youre looking for a true retro arcade

Da
Review №62

Found this gem when I was looking for a place nearby to show my son what an arcade was like back in the day. Game selection is ridiculously amazing and place super kid-friendly. I highly recommend this place.

Er
Review №63

Good game selection (wish they had a couple more from the 90s) pay hourly, prices are very reasonable and staff is super friendly. Had a great time with my 4 yo!

Jo
Review №64

Went yesterday. Such an awesome place. Billy has a ton of games and pinball machines so you wont get bored. Cant wait for some of the new (80s-90s) games to come. Cant wait to go back.

Vi
Review №65

Fun fun fun, large pinball selection, they can fix on site if they malfunction...I did it...

Br
Review №66

Really enjoyed my visit. Small place, but densely packed. Old video games, pinball tables, air hockey. Theres a ton of stuff to do. Good for all ages. They charge for time spent, no tokens. Play as many games as you want. would visit again.

Bo
Review №67

Love this place , wish I had more time to go more often !! The old pinball games ! And plenty of the old arcade classics in a nice size place for a good reasonable price! Great time! Must go to !

Ka
Review №68

This is a good place for kids who like playing video games. I had a good time there just the unlimited play make sure its worth it.

Ke
Review №69

Very awesome arcade with a large selection of games to play from. Pricing is by hour or you can buy a day pass, we came in from a sale they ran for Black Friday. Totally worth it.They have lots of pinball machines, racing, and classic arcade style cabinets (Pac-Man, Space Invaders, games like that). As well as some fighting games.Has an awesome old smell to the building from all of the cabinets. Also there is some parking under the building, but not much so you might need to park on the street.

Wi
Review №70

Classic arcade games in great shop - and run by a great guy who cares about his games!!

Ro
Review №71

Billys Midway Arcade is a great place to go play some video games that arent on your phone and are not based on tickets and cheap toys. It takes me back to the days of going to an arcade as a social event to play games and meet up with friends. The best part is the pay by the hour pricing, so you dont have to feel bad if you arent good at a game that you like. You can keep playing and not have to drain your bank account. I have actually learned to appreciate some of the games I didnt play as a kid because they were too hard. Now I can keep practicing and feel like I am not half bad. Great selection of games so you wont run out of things to play quickly.

Br
Review №72

Great selection of hard to find games all in great working order. Nice clean open layout. Friendly staff, ownership is knowledgeable and willing to share the hows and whys of obtaining the games offered. Dont be afraid to ask about games you dont see at the time of your visit.

Me
Review №73

Great place!! My kids love it! It has so many of the arcade games I used to play. Very inexpensive - only $10 for an hour of play time.

Ed
Review №74

A great time reliving fun times

M
Review №75

Owner was super nice and this places nostalgia made my heart happy.

ma
Review №76

Awesome retro arcade. All the classics, none of the BS! Billy is an awesome guy as well. Go visit!

an
Review №77

Great selection of games for a great price! Hours of fun, bring your friends and family.

Me
Review №78

Love this place. Everyone is nice and EVERYTHING ALWAYS WORKS. Dont k ow how Billy keeps it all going .

Be
Review №79

Everytime we go its an absolute Blast!first off your greeted by the awesome staff, So friendly. They remember the 4 of us Everytime we come in. Im convinced its bc of our adorable Niece of course who at the age of 4 LOVES to play on the Air Hockey table or the bubble domed air hockey. Besides the rows of games and pinball machines dating from I believe but dont hold me to this, but pinball from the 1930s or 1940s. So many memories of childhood memories from Mario Brothers,Popeye,burger time, Street fighter, Crusin USA, Tetris,packman,Qubert,The Simpsons,the table arcade games,I mean. So many more I cant possibly name then all. The music really sets the mood and brings you back to the 80s a great time of Arcades and music. The coolest part is we get to share this with our Niece, she gets such a kick out of The Simpsons and pinball games.streetfigter and air hockey is her favorite I think. Just being abt to share that with her is such Joy.So definitely go with the kids or even your friends for a fun night of classic gaming and making awesome memories....

Th
Review №80

Best place ever.

An
Review №81

Great place to relive your youth in playing video and pinball games.

Ni
Review №82

Great place. Love the throwback and the classic 80s tunes. Definitely worth the trip.

Ju
Review №83

This spot took me back in time! The staff was very friendly and offered great customer service! Will be back often!

Je
Review №84

2nd floor they have parking in the rear if the building. Very fun for adults with old school games. Met Billy very knowledgeable and i learned that sonic first made his appearance as a decor on a rear view window in a game call rad mobile

Ke
Review №85

Had a great time playing pinball. Lots of machines.

Ma
Review №86

Fun games, nice people. Paying for time instead of games makes it easier to get a group to go.

Se
Review №87

Love Billys Midway! Billy and staff are super friendly! Blast from the past and all around great arcade!!

Mi
Review №88

Nostalgic arcade games, pay by the hour to play all you want! Race in 16 bit glory! Pinball, Ms Pacman and more!!!

Ch
Review №89

Great arcade with very friendly staff and plenty of games! Still fixing up a few but the ones working were nice

Jo
Review №90

A great time was had by all. Staffat front doorvery helpful

la
Review №91

Love this place, vintage pinball and video games. Sit down 2 player bowling. Waiting for arrival of Breakout!

Za
Review №92

They have a pretty good variety.

Rh
Review №93

You can play all the classics and pinball for dirt cheap. An absolutely fantastic time. We will be back soon!

K.
Review №94

Fun place, lots of vintage games. Good for most ages except the very young.

Ke
Review №95

Great fun at a great value.

Fi
Review №96

This place is possibly one of the coolest places I’ve ever been to. I’ve gone the places before like the game cave (also in Hawthrone) and gamer’s paradise (Rochelle Park), and while those still manage to have a good collection of retro games (especially gamer’s paradise), I never felt truly immersed into playing the games, with them being on huge flatscreens. But finally I have found a place that pretty much transports me back into the 80s. Even though I was never alive during the 80s, this place gives me a good idea about how arcades we’re like back then. From its black tiled floor to the old toys under the counter, and just the overall setting with the cabinets lined up together, it truly does look and feel like how an old arcade would’ve. Give this place a try! It’s cheap, it’s fun and very convenient. (P.S. I am the one who hit the top 3 high scores that spell out “fin is god” on the donkey kong machine and if you see fin on a few leaderboards, that’s me).

Pa
Review №97

Id be like Cleopatterer if I could have my way. Each man she met she went and kissed.

Ma
Review №98

Great retro arcade great for after dinner at celtic corner

R
Review №99

Finally a place for family fun!

Er
Review №100

Awesome place

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.9 Rating
  • Address:312 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, United States
  • Site:https://www.billysmidway.com/
  • Phone:+1 973-304-4530
Categories
  • Video arcade
Working hours
  • Monday:12–10pm
  • Tuesday:12–10pm
  • Wednesday:12–10pm
  • Thursday:12pm–12am
  • Friday:12pm–12am
  • Saturday:12–10pm
  • Sunday:12–10pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
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